Nato summit visitors set to stay in Bristol

VISITORS to the Nato summit in south Wales next month will be staying in Bristol, meaning police officers here will be involved in extra security operations.

The summit will be attended by 150 high-profile heads of state from across the world, including President of the United States, Barack Obama (pictured).

Officers in Wales have said policing the event will be "uncharted territory" for them – and Avon and Somerset Constabulary has confirmed that they will also play a part in keeping all the delegates safe.

A spokesman said: "We will be playing a part in what is going on. The Gwent force are leading the operations, but we will be releasing details of our involvement in it in the run-up to the event.

"We will be supporting them, although the part we will play is small in comparison."

Their role is likely to include protecting those visitors who are staying at hotels in Bristol and travelling to Newport and Cardiff, some of whom will require armed protection.

The summit is being held on September 4 and 5, at the Celtic Manor Hotel in Newport.

Other events will be held alongside it in Cardiff. Seven Nato war vessels will be in Cardiff Bay.

Some 9,500 officers from across all 43 forces in the UK will be drafted in to help, including 1,500 people from south Wales.

Assistant Chief Constable Chris Armitt, seconded from Merseyside Police, is leading the Gwent police force while the summit happens. He said the summit would be uncharted territory for UK policing because of the armed protection required by 67 people under international agreements, but added the armed policing would be "discreet".

He also warned anyone trying to get into the Celtic Manor or organised violent protests that they would be arrested.

He is expecting there to be a number of peaceful protests arranged during the week.

A 13.5km ring of fencing has been erected around the Celtic Manor, and fencing is going up around the summit venues in Cardiff.

It has already been revealed that Bristol will be subject to a three-day no fly zone, which will stop light aircraft flying over the city below 10,000ft.

Any unauthorised flights during the period will be intercepted by police air support.

At the Celtic Manor hotel, there will be 2,500 meals a day served to the delegates and their entourage – which is expected to include 10,000 support staff and 2,000 journalists.

For their vital discussions on world affairs, a 25m table has been built for the main meeting room.